360 REPORT OF THE FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 



DroagI)t 



The amount of flow is so much reduced in some places (as at Guthrie's 

 Brook at Mumford) that the usual number of fry and fingerlings cannot be 

 safely kept there, and thus the output of Caledonia Station is greatly 

 lessened below the average. 



During the summer of 1907 fish culturists in many parts of the country 

 were unable to carry their usual stock of fingerlings because of the scant 

 water supply from springs. 



Excessive Heat 



Very hot summers are fatal to trout except where there is an ample 

 supply of cool spring water. Brook trout are the greatest sufferers, but 

 all species are seriously affected. The ideal trout and salmon water has a 

 surface temperature of 54 to 60 degrees F. in summer. 



In rocky streams the heat is more quickly fatal because the stones 

 become superheated and cool off very slowly. The surrounding water is 

 quickly warmed to a degree unsuitable for trout. 



lyow Temperature in Spring 



The shad season of 1907 was unusually late and the egg taking period 

 was correspondingly short. In the Hudson River the Catskill Station was 

 not opened for work until May 13, and it closed operations June 19. The 

 shad entered the river just a little after the usual time, but the cold water 

 retarded egg ripening, and no eggs were secured until May 14. 



The same condition affects the spawning of smelt, yellow perch, pike 

 perch, rainbow trout, black spotted trout, and other fish cultural species. 



v$cardt\s of Good Mafcfyer^ v^ites 



One of the important requirements for a hatchery is an ample supply 

 of suitable water which can be obtained by gravity, preferably a stream 

 with a series of small rapids, capable of being dammed and furnishing 

 sufficient water in the dryest seasons. This sounds simple enough, but 



